Missouri OKs Bill Requiring Attendants for ATM Use
April 1, 2014
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – A close vote in the Missouri Senate on
Monday led to approval of a bill that will limit use of automated
teller machines in the state to authorized attendants. Referred to
as the "Hands Off Your Money" plan it promises to create more
local jobs while also cutting down on personal financial instability.
Past legislation has required the use of attendants for pumping
gas in the states of Oregon and New Jersey, but this is the first
time a ban on self-service has been extended to ATMs. The bill’s
sponsor, Sen. Ben Kacowt, R – Cashmore, says this measure was long
overdue. "We’ve watched too many Missouri citizens lose their
jobs to machines and we’re ready to reverse this trend."
Bank and credit union customers will still be able to visit their
local ATM for withdrawals and deposits, but they won’t be able to
interact with the machines directly. Attendants will take a
customer’s card and ask them for their PIN as well as any other
instructions on how to carry out their transaction. This will also
provide personnel with time to wipe down the customer’s card and
make sure withdrawn cash is devoid of drawings or offensive messages.
All attendants will also be trained in basic financial management
techniques and can work with customers to make sure they’re making
wise decisions. "If a customer is down to their last $100 an
attendant can ask them to reconsider whether a night out is really
appropriate," said Kacowt. "A computer just won’t care about
that."
The bill requires banks to staff ATMs 24/7, which may help to
combat late night customer robberies. While attendants will not be
armed or allowed to physically intervene in attacks, the law will
allow them to shout discouraging remarks at would-be criminals and
flash overhead lights.
A fee of $0.50 will be added to all ATM transactions to support
the new jobs. Sen. Kacowt said the legislature was glad to fund the
measure without further state spending while also making sure that
frequent ATM users paid for the privilege. "Think of this as a
concierge service for your wallet," Kacowt said.
Not everyone is excited about this change. Melanie Scotts, a
mother from Independence, said she doesn’t need another person
involved in her banking. "I look forward to the solitude of using
an ATM. It’s just me and the machine -- the rest of the world melts
away for those few minutes, until the beeping reminder to take my
transaction slip jolts me back to reality."
The bill is expected to be signed into law today by Gov. Jay
Nixon, and will take effect on April 31st.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
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